09/28/2025
September 28th is National Rabies Day. But what is rabies and why do we care??
Rabies is an 100% fatal viral disease of the nervous system. Transmission occurs through saliva of infected animals, usually via a bite (but a bite is not necessary). While rabies is relatively rare in horses (partly due to routine vaccination), there are cases throughout the US each year. Once infected, there is no treatment and anyone in contact with the infected animal is at risk.
Vaccination is the cornerstone of rabies prevention in the horse, and an annual booster is recommended to ensure titer levels remain sufficient for protection. There is a common misconception that animals that have received rabies vaccines annually can stop being vaccinated as they age. However, there is evidence to suggest that immune systems actually weaken with age, making the need for vaccination essential in geriatric horses. (read the full AAEP vaccination guidelines here: https://aaep.org/guidelines/vaccination-guidelines)
Rabies is a horrifying illness, which puts everyone at risk. If animals are not vaccinated and develop concerning symptoms, rabies can not be ruled out, which makes medical care and intervention a challenge. One vaccine prevents so much heartache and risk.
Below is an infographic created by our friends, the American Association of Equine Practitioners that shows the many faces of Rabies.
